Alleged Antifa Leader Agrees to Testify in Terrorism Trial

Benjamin Song, previously on Texas' 'Most Wanted Fugitive' list, will testify about a July 4, 2025 protest that turned violent.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Dallas, Texas resident Benjamin Song has agreed to testify in court about a terrorist attack by an 'Antifa cell' that he allegedly led, court records show. Song and eight others face a federal trial beginning Tuesday over a July 4, 2025 protest at an Alvarado immigration facility where Song allegedly began shooting at law enforcement. The 32-year-old activist and former Marine Corps reservist, who was previously on Texas' 'Most Wanted Fugitive' list, 'will testify about the events of July 4, 2025 and the events leading up to that day,' his attorney said in a court filing.

Why it matters

This trial marks the first U.S. terrorism case explicitly focused on Antifa, a violent leftist movement that President Donald Trump designated a terrorist organization in 2025. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has charged Song with several federal crimes, including riot, providing material support to terrorists, and attempted murder of law enforcement, and he faces up to life in prison if convicted.

The details

Prosecutors say Song's group arrived at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building at night in black clothing and began to throw fireworks and vandalize property. When a local police officer approached protesters to speak with them, someone yelled 'get to the rifles' and the mob fired 20 to 30 shots, with Song allegedly being the first to open fire. Song then hid overnight in a nearby forest, triggering an eleven-day manhunt that ended with a SWAT team capturing him at a supporter's Dallas apartment.

  • On July 4, 2025, the protest at the Alvarado immigration facility took place.
  • In December, a grand jury indicted Song and several others on federal charges.

The players

Benjamin Song

A 32-year-old Dallas, Texas resident and former Marine Corps reservist who prosecutors say led an 'Antifa cell' that carried out a terrorist attack. He was previously on Texas' 'Most Wanted Fugitive' list.

Cameron Arnold

A co-defendant of Song's who allegedly asked him if they would be bringing guns to the July 4 protest, to which Song replied that they would because he would not be going to jail.

Elm Fork John Brown Gun Club

A militia-like group that Song and other co-defendants were formerly members of, which protected LGBTQ events or protested conservative speakers by arriving in black clothing with rifles.

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What’s next

The federal trial for Song and his co-defendants is set to begin on Tuesday.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threat of Antifa-related domestic terrorism in the U.S., as the Department of Justice brings the first federal terrorism charges explicitly focused on the violent leftist movement.